How to : stop yourself snacking

Its a big problem a lot of us face, and I am a main culprit of snacking on absolutely everything I can get my hands on. Whilst I am on this clean eating malarkey (which is proving a lot more difficult than I ever anticipated) I have been trying some sneaky, all be it rather cleaver tricks to stop myself snacking!

You eat when you’re bored – don’t be bored. When I’m bored, I find myself wanting food, so instead of curing my sweet tooth I tend to cure my boredom. Find a new Netflix binge, read your magazine you’ve only glanced at, maybe even a book or if you’re feeling really motivated, hit the gym, go for a walk or even a run.

Stop taking snacks out with you. I do this a lot, including a whole double pack of Maryland cookies to work. I would like to say I shared, but of course I didn’t! You can be your own worse enemy, so do yourself a favor and leave the half day snacks at home, where they belong, they’ll only tempt you!

Don’t take money out, unless you need it. Another thing I am terrible at is buying food because I fancy it, rather than need it. Time after time I buy a pastry at the train station on the way home from work, despite being full from lunch, and then proceeding onto a full meal when I get home!! Leaving money at home when you know you don’t need it is the best solution to those coffee runs, or chocolate craves.

Have 3 meals – that’s it. I don’t think this is a regular occurrence in my lifetime, but sticking to your 3 meals is a obvious, but fairly tricky ideal. Eat 3 substantial meals through the day, and you can cut snacking. Make a meal plan and look forward to a meal rather than a snack! If it helps, make a healthy breakfast the night before, as well as a packed lunch, so you know you won’t be tempted with a meal deal!

Brush your teeth before bed . This is a regular routine for me anyway, but brushing my teeth a little earlier stops me from even thinking about having a quick snack before bed. Once their brushed, I can’t really be asked to do them again!!

If you have to snack, for goddness sake let it be healthy!! There are soooo many better alternatives that can hit that hunger spot. Carrot sticks and hummus is a personal favorite, or toast and peanut butter and banana- mmmm . Fruit are a perfect sugar rush, without the horrific caloriesand cereal is another favorite to keep me going that has less fat.

Remember : It’s not going to be easy, and you will have off days. Heck I’m eating now after brushing my teeth – opps, but you’ll get there!!

Remain : Focused and determined. Remember why you’re doing it and your goal and im sure you’ll be out of snacking in no time.

Do you snack a lot?

Find it hard to stop?

Or maybe you have some tips that work for you when you fancy a little something in between meals.

16 Comments

Oh god yes snacking is my enemy hahah but sometimes I do it when I don't eat right in our meals even if I have three, I eat way too much refine sugar and 'bad' carbs so then keep craving them alll day, in fact I am more now I am typing hahah! I need to just keep brushing my teeth I think, ruins the whole food ex. 😉 xx

I know what you mean, when I don't eat proper meals, I snack sooo much more. I tend to make sure I have plenty of fruit to hand encase I do get the odd snack crave and I don't want to reach for the chocolate!! Yesss, brush your teeth! Everyone hates eating sweet food when you have the minty taste going on!! xxx

I like having five small meals a day–three main meals with snacking in between. The easiest way for me to manage my snacking is to shop for healthy snacks so that I don't even have the option to snack otherwise. Keeping my stomach filled with liquids also helps, even if it's just sipping on water through a straw. Thank you for sharing your tips! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's

It used to be one of my biggest problems. Since I started scheduling my meals and planning them, it's been going quite well. It helped loads that I brush my teeth after every single meal too. I used to be so lax with that. Keeping yourself busy is also vital, since I am definitely a 'bored eater' as well as an emotional one.